The Texas Southern Tigers have a proud history in NCAA athletics, excelling in both Texas Southern Tigers football and Texas Southern Tigers baseball. Representing Texas Southern University, the Tigers have been a consistent force in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, producing numerous champions and professional athletes while building a strong legacy of success across all sports programs for fans and the university community.
College Sports Established
1947
Location
Houston, Texas
College Name
Texas Southern University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1954 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1954 - Present / Southwestern Athletic Conference
Nickname
Tigers - The Texas Southern Tigers have been a long-standing member of the NCAA since their founding in 1947. As one of the most successful programs in college sports, it’s no surprise that they have such an iconic nickname. But where did this name come from?
Texas Southern Tigers Origin
It all started in 1953 when then-athletic director John W. Jackson changed the school’s mascot from “the Maroons” to “the Tigers." This was done as a tribute to legendary coach and former TSU football player Coach Clyde Lee who had recently passed away after leading his team for more than 20 years with great success. Many felt that honoring him with such an iconic nickname would be fitting for his memory and legacy at Texas Southern University (TSU).
Since its inception, the Tiger has become one of the most recognizable mascots not only within collegiate athletics but also throughout society as a whole due to its strong symbolism associated with power, courage, strength, and determination - qualities that are essential components needed for any successful athletic program or individual athlete striving towards greatness on any field of play!
As we continue our journey through history together, let us remember that behind every great university lies stories like these which help shape our understanding of why certain nicknames were chosen over others - so next time you see your beloved Texas Southern Tigers, take pride knowing how much thought went into giving them their unique moniker!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1947
- 1965
- 1990
- 2012
-
Beginning of Texas Southern Tigers
The Texas Southern Tigers have a long and storied history in the NCAA. Established in 1947, they are one of the oldest teams to compete at this level. The team has been incredibly successful over the years, winning numerous championships since its inception. -
Baseball Program First Season
The baseball program’s first season was 1965, and it has been a member of the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference since the start of the 1999 season. Its home venue is MacGregor Park, owned by the city of Houston. The program has appeared in 5 NCAA Tournaments. It has won five conference tournament championships and no regular season conference ... -
Candy Robinson Baseball Coach
Texas Southern’s longest tenured head coach was Candy Robinson, who has coached the team from 1990 to 2008. -
2012 NCAA sanctions on TS Tigers
In October 2012, the NCAA found Texas Southern University guilty of repeated rules violations in 13 sports over a seven-year period from 2005 to 2012. The most serious violations occurred within the football and men’s basketball programs, involving academic fraud, illicit benefits given to student athletes, lying on the part of coaches, and lying to the NCAA about previously self-imposed ...
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Texas Southern Tigers History
The Texas Southern Tigers history is rich and storied, highlighting decades of success in NCAA sports. Founded in 1947, Texas Southern University (TSU) has become a powerhouse in collegiate athletics. The Texas Southern Tigers football program made history as the first HBCU to play in a bowl game at the 1967 Orange Blossom Classic against Florida A&M. Over the years, TSU has produced legendary athletes like NFL Hall-of-Famer Warren Moon, NBA All-Star Clyde Drexler, and Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis.
The Texas Southern Tigers basketball program has also enjoyed remarkable success. Since joining Division I in 1988–89, TSU men’s basketball has earned multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including four straight from 1992–95, reaching two Sweet Sixteens. Under legendary coach Bob Hopkins and subsequent leaders, the Tigers won five SWAC championships between 2000 and 2013 and scored notable victories over programs like Michigan State and Purdue.
Beyond football and basketball, TSU Athletics has grown steadily under Director Charles McClelland. New facilities like the H&PE Arena support volleyball and basketball, and the addition of the golf program in 2016 showcased TSU’s commitment to expanding its sports footprint. These efforts have helped the Texas Southern Tigers maintain a competitive edge in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Tigers Achievements
The Texas Southern Tigers football team continues to thrive, consistently competing for SWAC championships and producing professional athletes who succeed at the NFL level. The Tigers’ enduring rivalries, particularly with the Southern Jaguars, remain a cornerstone of their legacy, energizing fans across Houston and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Texas Southern Tigers basketball program remains a symbol of excellence, with both men’s and women’s teams making conference tournament runs and securing NCAA appearances. These achievements highlight the Tigers’ commitment to athletic and academic excellence, ensuring that the Texas Southern Tigers history continues to grow stronger with every season.
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